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Industry Veteran Cany Jobe Appointed Director General (DG) of Gambia Petroleum Commission

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Gambian President Adama Barrow has appointed Cany Jobe as the new Director General of The Gambia Petroleum Commission, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to advance its oil and gas sector. The appointment comes as The Gambia accelerates regulatory reform and acreage promotion to position itself as one of West Africa’s most attractive frontier exploration destinations.Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) welcomes the appointment of Cany Jobe as Director General, recognizing it as a vital step toward transforming The Gambia’s global investment profile. The Chamber believes Jobe will serve as the chief promoter of the country’s oil and gas sector, tasked with attracting international investment and positioning The Gambia as a world-class destination for upstream capital.

Jobe joins the Petroleum Commission with close to 18 years of international experience across the oil and gas value chain. She holds a Masters in Engineering from the University of Western Australia and a Masters in International Project Management from Glasgow Caledonian University. Prior to her appointment, she served as Director of Exploration & Production at the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation, where she was instrumental in upstream strategy development, data management and engagement with prospective investors. She has also held positions with regional and international institutions across Asia, Australia, West Africa and America, including roles with China Petroleum Corporation, Venezuela’s PDVSA and ECOWAS Commission as a national consultant. Now, with Jobe at the helm of the Petroleum Commission, The Gambia is signaling its readiness to compete for global exploration capital and take its place among West Africa’s next generation of oil and gas producers.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment in The Gambia’s energy development. Situated in the heart of the MSGBC basin, the country has a unique set of competitive advantages that make it a highly-attractive destination for frontier exploration and investment. These include attractive acreage, growing data coverage, strong geology as well as improving regulation. Despite these advantages, the country has yet to make a commercial oil discovery. The Gambia’s challenges with advancing exploration and development have had little to do with resources and more to do with investment. But recent moves promise to turn this trend around.

Cany Jobe has taken on the big issues when it comes to The Gambia and Africa’s right to produce its oil and gas

“Cany Jobe has taken on the big issues when it comes to The Gambia and Africa’s right to produce its oil and gas,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC, adding that she has stood up for her country and worked hard globally to advance the oil and gas industry believes in.

“I am confident she is going to work with the industry to attract investors to the country but also create an enabling environment for investors. I urge the international oil industry to support this strong ally by investing big in the country’s oil and gas industry,” he notes.

Under efforts to unlock the potential of its offshore acreage, The Gambia is actively opening its upstream sector to global exploration companies. The country currently has more than eight offshore blocks and two onshore blocks available for investment, positioning it as one of the most accessible frontier markets in West Africa. Approximately 80% of offshore seismic and geological data has already been acquired, significantly reducing exploration risk and enabling faster decision-making for operators considering entry into the market.

The Gambia’s investment proposition is further strengthened by its strategic location within the MSGBC Basin, one of the world’s most promising offshore hydrocarbon provinces. The basin has delivered world-class discoveries in neighboring countries, including Senegal’s Sangomar oilfield and the cross-border Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development shared by Senegal and Mauritania. Geological similarities across the basin underscore the potential for comparable discoveries in Gambian waters.

Beyond geology, regulatory reform is emerging as a key pillar of The Gambia’s upstream strategy. The government is in the process of finalizing a new Petroleum Exploration, Development & Production Bill aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and investor confidence. The legislation is expected to complement broader reforms to upstream regulations, aligning the country’s legal framework with international best practices and improving the overall operating environment for foreign investors. Against this backdrop, Jobe’s appointment becomes increasingly strategic, providing the experienced leadership required to translate The Gambia’s geological potential, growing data coverage and regulatory reforms into concrete exploration commitments and sustained upstream investment.

“Cany Jobe brings the right mix of technical expertise, international experience and strategic vision to position The Gambia as a competitive upstream destination. Her leadership will be instrumental in promoting the country’s acreage, engaging investors and ensuring that The Gambia fully capitalizes on its location in the MSGBC basin. This appointment demonstrates the government’s seriousness about attracting investment and building a world-class petroleum sector,” Ayuk states.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

 

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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